Change Shapers Podcast

In this episode, Kevan Smith, Director of Epiphany Content, discusses content strategy, brand authenticity, and empowering underrepresented communities. He shares insights into crafting impactful content, building trust with audiences, and fostering inclusivity in business through initiatives like Brighton United. Learn how content creation intersects with social change, community building, and personal branding. 

In this episode of Change Shapers, we dive into leadership transformation with communication expert and TEDx speaker Helen Packham. Helen shares her insights on leadership behaviour, psychometrics, and the power of storytelling to enhance leadership effectiveness. Learn how companies can bridge communication gaps, build psychological safety, and create a more engaged workforce. 

• Helen Packham’s journey from corporate leadership to TEDx speaker 

• Using psychometrics to enhance leadership and communication 

• The importance of psychological safety and stakeholder influence 

• Real-life examples of effective storytelling in business 

Shownotes:   

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham/  

• Words that Change Lives: https://open.spotify.com/show/72wO4BvAXwLzlMFn21Zqx4 

In this episode, we’re joined by Graham Colclough, an expert in urban transformation, to explore how businesses and cities can learn from each other to innovate and adapt in rapidly changing environments. With experience at Shell, Cap Gemini, and Urban DNA, Graham shares insights on smart cities, collaborative ecosystems, and transformative solutions like the humble lamppost and mobility islands. 

• Graham’s journey from industry to city transformation 

• Understanding smart cities: principles and strategies 

• The role of public value in transformation 

• Case studies: humble lamppost and mobility islands 

• Future innovations and AI in urban planning 

Shownotes: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-colclough-911829/  

• UrbanDNA: https://urbandna.eu/ 

In this episode, we explore the intersection of photography, arts activism, and sustainability with an expert in B Corp certification and ESG strategies. From transforming industrial spaces into eco-friendly areas to promoting social change through business, our guest shares insights into the growing movement for sustainable business practices. Learn about the challenges and opportunities businesses face in adopting ESG frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and the role of AI in advancing sustainability. 

• Journey from photography and arts activism to sustainability consulting 

• Key drivers behind B Corp certification and sustainable business practices 

• Common barriers businesses face in ESG adoption 

• How to build sustainable supply chains and engage stakeholders 

• The role of AI in transforming sustainability efforts 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demiheath/ 

• Website: https://www.hearthsustainability.com/  

In this episode, we talk to Rob Cunningham, marketing strategist and sustainability expert, about his journey from off-grid living to helping businesses achieve net-zero goals. Rob shares insights into how Clean Growth UK fosters cross-sector partnerships, connects businesses with universities, and promotes sustainability through innovation and collaboration. He also discusses the impact of student involvement, storytelling, and the role of ecosystems in tackling the climate crisis. 

• Rob’s off-grid experience and its influence on sustainability 

• Origins and mission of Clean Growth UK 

• Success stories from Clean Growth UK's partnerships 

• The role of storytelling in sustainability 

• Cross-sector collaboration and the road to net-zero 

• Practical steps businesses can take towards sustainability 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbcunningham/  

• CleanGrowth UK: https://www.clean-growth.uk/  

Why are so many women leaving the workplace mid-career? Our fifth Change Shaper has the answer.

Sabina Bunger, an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the tech and broadcast media industries, where she held prominent roles, including Head of IP Networks. After a successful career in media giants like Global Radio and GCap Media, Sabina pivoted to professional and personal coaching.

As a fully accredited senior practitioner with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), Sabina specialises in supporting women in tech and media, as well as leaders in the charity sector. We discuss how coaching empowers both individuals and workplaces, and explore a significant issue for all businesses across multiple sectors - why so many women are leaving tech mid-career and how coaching can be part of the solution.

This episode dives into critical topics such as why coaching is more than just “therapy for business,” how organisations can cultivate a coaching culture to foster inclusivity and retention, and the importance of empowering women and diverse voices in the workplace. Sabina also shares her insights on navigating career transitions, overcoming structural challenges, and adapting to the changing demands of the modern workforce. 

• Coaching with Sabina: https://coachingwithsabina.com/

Links to key statistics mentioned by Sabina:

• https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/women-in-tech-the-best-bet-to-solve-europes-talent-shortage 

Al has forged an impressive career across diverse sectors including roles at Suncorp-Metway, Accenture, IBM, and academic positions at Harvard Business School and Columbia University. He is now leading the conversation on leadership as Founder and CEO of Cambridge Leadership Group. With over 20 years' experience, they foster purpose-driven leadership and culture, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and uncertainty in today's world. 

In today’s episode, Al talks about his journey from being a small-town boy to running his leadership group, Al explores the myriad obstacles facing organisations and why and how we can foster cross-functional leaders.

• Al Preble: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-preble-1a6a589/ 

• Cambridge Leadership Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-leadership-group/  

Change shaper, Bud Johnston, the founder of Boxless Limited, discusses his career and the inspirations behind his company, which focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Bud has a varied background in professional sports, media, FMCG, finance, and the third sector. He has also led multiple community organizations, such as Barco and Men of Melanin. 

• Bud Johnston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bud-johnston-mcim-58a2a556/ 

• Men of Melanin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/men-of-melanin/  

• Boxless: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boxless-ltd/  

• Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation (BARCO): https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-anti-racism-community-organisation/  

Today's change shaper in focus is Sofia Azam, a visionary leader and educator with 13 years of experience. As the founder of IgniteQuals Ltd, an innovative Awarding Organisation, and the Skills4Startups Roadshow, Sofia is dedicated to empowering young people and startups. Her passion lies in creating quality educational pathways that align with industry needs and helping young learners from diverse backgrounds.  
 
In today's episode, Sofia talks about supporting startups to reach their highest possible potential, how AI is changing business and how the government is ignoring the impact of startups.

• S4S Summer Roadshow Festival for Start-Up Businesses supported by Google: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/s4s-roadshow-festival-for-start-up-businesses-hosted-by-google-cloud-tickets-962842717487?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing&utm-campaign=social&utm-medium=discovery&utm-content=attendeeshare  

• Skills4Startups® Festival Roadshow UK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skills-4-startups-festival-roadshow-uk/ 

• IgniteQuals Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignitequals/ 

• Sofia Azam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-a-193789102/overlay/about-this-profile/  

Our first Change Shaper, Abid Khan, is a seasoned expert with over 23 years of experience. He is the Chair of the Institute of Directors, British Asian Business Community. In 2016, he started ‘Chutney and Chat’, a networking event focusing on increasing South Asian representation in businesses.

Join the next Chutney & Chat:

Tuesday 17th September 2024 – The Farmhouse Coventry – Chutney & Chat (chutneyandchat.co.uk)

Connect with Abid:

• Pathway2Grow: www.linkedin.com/groups/8243224/